Outdoor Recreation Planner, Ray Paterra, left Chincoteague NWR in mid-September for a new assignment to expand the public use program at White River National Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas. Ray spearheaded CNWR's environmental education program for more than two years and was the leading force in a variety of curriculum-based programs that met Virginia's Standards of Learning. Additionally, Ray (with a little help from his brother Vince) developed a new wildlife observation platform on the Freshwater Marsh Trail to accommodate environmental education groups as well as the general public. Ray also blazed a new environmental education trail that winds along Assateague Channel and adjacent to Assateague Village, incorporating most of the refuge's habitats.

"Ray is a real idea guy who has enhanced the refuge's environmental education program tremendously," said Refuge Manager John D. Schroer. "Ray has an excellent ability to work well with both teachers and students. We will miss him, but know he will do great things on his next assignment."

Some of the work efforts that Ray will be responsible for at White River NWR include: developing and implementing wildlifedependent recreational activities; developing the refuge's web site; planning and designing an education center; establishing a volunteer workforce and friends group; and, promoting the refuge through ecotourism and special events.